Standardization of Light Transmission Aggregometry for Diagnosis of Platelet Disorders: An Inter-Laboratory External Quality Assessment

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (07) ◽  
pp. 1154-1161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karina Althaus ◽  
Barbara Zieger ◽  
Tamam Bakchoul ◽  
Kerstin Jurk ◽  

AbstractSeveral in vitro platelet function tests are available for the diagnosis of inherited platelet function disorders. Currently, the light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is recommended as one of the first-step tests. LTA is available in most specialized hemostasis laboratories. Although the LTA is accepted as a ‘gold standard’ assay for the evaluation of platelet function, its standardization in the clinical practice is still challenging. The GTH-based THROMKID-Plus Study Group has performed an inter-laboratory trial in Germany and Austria. Five different agonists were selected according to the Scientific and Standardization Committee/International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis recommendations and shipped in 3 different sets (one should represent a healthy control and two should simulate platelet function disorders) to 15 specialized laboratories in Germany and Austria. Agonists were analyzed by APACT or PAP4/8 aggregometer using platelet-rich plasma from healthy donors. In addition, laboratory-internal platelet agonists were tested in platelet-rich plasma from a healthy donor. All laboratories (9 used APACT, 6 used PAP4/PAP8) showed very consistent data regarding the maximum percentage of aggregation induced by the tested agonists and identified the differential diagnosis of the simulated platelet function disorders with one exception, which was due to technical problems. In contrast, there was a high variability of the laboratory-internal inductors regarding reagent type, concentrations and pathological cut-off values. Our study showed that the shipment of agonists is suitable for an inter-laboratory survey of LTA. However, there is still a remarkable need for standardization of agonist reagents and their concentration as well as for definition of reference ranges.

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Christine Alessi ◽  
Pierre Sié ◽  
Bernard Payrastre

Hereditary defects in platelet function are responsible for sometimes severe mucocutaneous hemorrhages. They are a heterogeneous group of abnormalities whose first-line diagnosis typically involves interpreting the results of in vitro light transmission aggregometry (LTA) traces. Interpretation of LTA is challenging. LTA is usually performed in specialized laboratories with expertise in platelet pathophysiology. This review updates knowledge on LTA, describing the various platelet aggregation profiles typical of hereditary platelet disorders to guide the physician in the diagnosis of functional platelet disorders.


2008 ◽  
Vol 99 (01) ◽  
pp. 121-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siegmund Braun ◽  
Stefan Jawansky ◽  
Wolfgang Vogt ◽  
Julinda Mehilli ◽  
Albert Schömig ◽  
...  

SummaryThe level of platelet aggregation, measured with light transmission aggregometry (LTA) in platelet rich plasma (PRP), has been shown to predict outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, measuring parameters of platelet function with LTA is time consuming and weakly standardized. Thus, a fast and standardized method to assess platelet function after clopidogrel treatment would be of great value for clinical practice. A new method, multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEA), to rapidly measure platelet aggregation in whole blood has recently been developed. The aim of this study was to assess parameters of platelet function with MEA and LTA before and after administration of 600 mg clopidogrel. Blood samples from 149 patients scheduled for coronary angiography were taken after clopidogrel treatment; in addition, in 60 of the patients samples were available before clopidogrel treatment. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was measured with LTA and simultaneously in whole blood with MEA on the Multiplate analyzer. Platelet aggregation measured with MEA decreased significantly after clopidogrel treatment (P<0.0001). ADP-induced platelet aggregation assessed with MEA and LTA correlated significantly (Spearman rank correlation coefficient=0.71; P<0.0001).The results of MEA, a fast and standardized method to assess the platelet response to ADP prior to and after clopidogrel treatment, correlate well with LTA.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S21-S25
Author(s):  
K. Althaus ◽  
M. Wagner ◽  
I. Marini ◽  
T. Bakchoul ◽  
L. Pelzl

Abstract Introduction The diagnosis of platelet function disorder in children is challenging. Light transmission aggregometry is the gold standard for platelet function disorders. However, large blood volumes are required. Currently, there are no existing tools for the diagnosis of platelet function disorders that use small blood volumes. AKT signaling plays a central role in platelet activation during hemostasis and might be visualized by flow cytometry. Methods Platelet-rich plasma obtained by centrifugation of citrated blood from healthy volunteers was activated with arachidonic acid, thrombin receptor activating peptide-6 (TRAP-6), collagen, adenosine diphosphate ADP, collagen-related peptide (CRP), and epinephrine. After platelet activation, the phosphorylation of AKT was assessed by flow cytometer using a Navios cytometer. Results Healthy volunteers showed a reproducible phosphorylation of AKT upon activation. In comparison to nonactivated platelets, we documented an increase in pAKT expression with all agonists. Especially TRAP-6 and CRP caused considerable increase in percentage of pAKT expression throughout all the tested healthy volunteers. Conclusion An activation of the AKT-signal pathway by different agonists can clearly be detected on the flow cytometer, indicating that the visualization of signaling in platelets by flow cytometry might be an efficient alternative for light transmission aggregometry to test platelet function in children.


1977 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Kubisz ◽  
P. Klener ◽  
S. Cronberg

Imidazol carboxamide (DTIC, NSC-45388) is a cytostatic drug used in the treatment of malignant melanoma under the trade name of DacarbazinR, MSD. Its influence on platelet function, blood coagulation and fibrinolysis was investigated in vitro.At a concentration of 160 µg/ml it inhibited the increase in light transmission induced in platelet-rich plasma by standardized freezing and thawing. It also retarded the retraction of reptilase clots. This therefore indicated a stabilizing effect on the platelets at this dosage.At a concentration of 40 μg/ml the drug did not significantly influence the platelet function in vitro.This concentration corresponds to therapeutic plasma levels. At current dosage of the drug any bleeding tendency due to platelet dysfunction therefore seems unlikely.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 1446-1446
Author(s):  
Diane J. Nugent ◽  
Ryan Roberts ◽  
Peggy Nakagawa

Abstract Abstract 1446 Currently, there is no single assay that will detect platelet function abnormalities in all individuals. We prospectively studied 369 patients with a strong history of bruising and mucosal membrane bleeding for possible platelet dysfunction following documentation of normal Von Willebrand antigen and activity levels. In an effort to evaluate platelet function under more diverse conditions we chose to simultaneously evaluate 1) aggregation using platelet rich plasma and light transmission aggregometry (LTA), 2) adhesion under high shear using the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA-100, ADP-collagen, and Epinephrine-collagen cartridges) and 3) platelet initiated clot formation using heparinized whole blood and the two standard mapping agonists, arachadonic acid (AA) and ADP (Hemascope Thromboelastograph Analyzer). Of the 369 platelet evaluations performed, 87 patients (24%) were found to be normal in all three assays with all agonists. On repeated assays with increased attention to medication and food history, an additional 152 patients were felt to have a transient or acquired dysfunction which improved or normalized on further testing. Leaving 130 patients with persistent bleeding and documented abnormalities on one or more of the assays used. There were no patients with only Collagen (CN) or arachadonic acid (AA) aggregation alone on LTA. Using LTA, there was one patient with combined CN and ADP aggregation defect only, another with AA and EPI absent aggregation only, and one with only AA and Thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP) aggregation abnormalities. A summary of the remaining 127 patients are displayed in the table below:Abnormal AssayLTA EPILTA ADPLTA ADP + EPILTA ADP, EPI CNLTA ADP, EPI, AALTA ADP, EPI CN, AAPFA and PLT Mapping ONLYNumber201240841825M/F3M/17F6M/6F16M/24F1M/7F1M/3F8M/10F12M/13FPFA1M/2F4M7M/4F01M01M/3FPlt Mapping2M/2F1M/2F3F1F009M/7FBoth PFA and Mapping1M0001F2M/9F2M/3F Summary: By using a combination of three assays, we were able to identify 25 additional patients with significant platelet dysfunction detected with abnormal platelet mapping or PFA-100 despite normal light transmission aggregometry. Patients with the most abnormalities on aggregation, also demonstrated abnormal adhesion and platelet initiated clot formation. However, the use of PFA-100 and/or platelet mapping alone would miss the majority of patients with aggregation defects. In the future, the unique combination of platelet function defects as measured by these assays, and future technologies, will not only improve detection, but also facilitate phenotype to genotype associations and expedite mutational analysis. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Rituximab to treat ITP.


2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (11) ◽  
pp. 1895-1901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Kruger ◽  
Jack Hirsh ◽  
Vinai Bhagirath ◽  
Ke Xu ◽  
Brian Dale ◽  
...  

Background Ticagrelor is an anti-platelet agent that is indicated for prevention of thrombosis after acute coronary syndrome or intra-coronary artery stent implantation, but it increases the risk of bleeding. Platelet transfusion has the potential to treat or prevent bleeding in patients taking ticagrelor, but the optimal quantity of platelets and timing of administration have not been fully defined. Methods and Results Ten healthy subjects took ticagrelor in combination with acetylsalicylic acid for 5 days, and had blood collected prior to treatment and at 2, 10, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the last doses. The potential of platelet transfusion to prevent or reverse bleeding was evaluated by mixing subject and donor platelet-rich plasma in vitro in nine different proportions, and measuring adenosine diphosphate-mediated aggregation by light transmission aggregometry. Spontaneous offset of the anti-aggregant effect of ticagrelor occurred gradually and was complete at 72 hours after the last dose. The addition of donor platelets enhanced the recovery. The addition of the equivalent of six apheresis platelet units produced a 50% relative reversal at 10 hours, and > 90% reversal at 24 hours. Conclusion Donor platelets enhance reversal of the anti-aggregant effect of ticagrelor in vitro. Donor platelets given in clinically relevant amounts partially reversed ticagrelor at 10 hours after the last dose, and almost fully reversed ticagrelor at 24 hours. The results inform on the potential to reverse ticagrelor in patients who develop bleeding or require emergency surgery.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 914-919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frantisek Nehaj ◽  
Juraj Sokol ◽  
Jela Ivankova ◽  
Michal Mokan ◽  
Frantisek Kovar ◽  
...  

The availability of direct oral anticoagulants has caused a paradigm shift in the management of thrombosis. Rivaroxaban and apixaban are 2 direct oral anticoagulants whose target specificity is activated factor X (FXa). However, it is still not fully understood if and how xabans impact platelet function. This observational study aimed to assess the in vitro platelet function in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving xabans. This was a single-center study quantifying platelet aggregation in 41 patients treated with apixaban or rivaroxaban by light transmission aggregometry. The thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower 2 hours after taking rivaroxaban or apixaban compared to baseline value (56.15% [8.53%] vs 29.51% [12.9%]; P = .000). Moreover, concomitant use of angiotensin-converting enzyme blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and statins reduces the efficiency of xabans. The TRAP-induced platelet aggregation was reduced in patients with cardiovascular disease 2 hours after receiving xabans.


1973 ◽  
Vol 30 (03) ◽  
pp. 494-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
G de Gaetano ◽  
J Vermylen

SummaryThrombelastograms of both native blood and re-calcified platelet-rich plasma samples taken from subjects given a single oral dose of aspirin (1 gram) were not significantly different from the pretreatment recordings. Aspirin also did not modify the thrombelastogram when preincubated in vitro with platelet-rich plasma at concentrations inhibiting the platelet “release reaction” by collagen. Thrombelastography therefore cannot evaluate the effect of aspirin on platelet function.


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